Gainer

Gainers are food supplements composed of proteins and carbohydrates. They contain more carbohydrates than proteins and have a high glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index shows how fast carbohydrates increase the levels of insulin in the blood stream. In addition to glucose absorption, insulin is also involved in cellular permeability to amino acids and some macroergic compounds, thus increasing their concentration in muscle cells and stimulating protein synthesis. The main purpose of gainers is to supply the body with the necessary amounts of simple carbohydrates and amino acids needed in critical moments, such as immediately after workout when the body’s glycogen reserves are depleted. Taken at the right time, gainers supply for the energy needs of muscle cells and provide conditions for muscle growth. Gainers can also be used as an addition to main meals during the day in rapid weight gain programs. These nutrition plans include high carbohydrates intake which are difficult to be obtained only through the main meals. This makes gainers an alternative and easily accessible source of carbohydrates and proteins in addition to the main food intake.